What are Intervening Causes?

What are Intervening Causes?

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Intervening causes are an added cause that occurs after the main cause by a defendant.

Normal intervening causes are mainly seen as foreseeable and ones in which the risk can be addressed, prior to their occurrence. Usually in these cases liability is imposed upon a defendant for the damages sustained due to these consequences. These causes are found in any 'normal' situation and are capable of happening under certain justifiable circumstances.

It is highly important to assess the possible intervening risks that remain for any existing risk, in other to fully attempt to diminish them prior to an actual occurrence happening. Preventive measures against such risks assist in reducing liability to a defendant over a plaintiff's negligence claim